Ingrown toenails are one of the most common conditions we see in our office, affecting people of every age, from active teenagers to older adults managing diabetes. While many cases can be resolved with careful home care, an ingrown toenail that is neglected or improperly treated can progress into a painful infection that requires professional intervention. Below, we answer the questions patients ask us most often.
What Is an Ingrown Toenail?
An ingrown toenail develops when the corner or side of a nail grows into the soft tissue of the toe rather than straight across it. Over time, the pressure of the nail against the skin causes inflammation, and in many cases, the skin becomes red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Left untreated, the area can become infected, at which point pus and persistent drainage often develop.
How Did I Get an Ingrown Toenail?
There are several common causes, and oftenmore than one is at play:
- Improper nail trimming (cuttingtoo short or rounding the corners instead of trimming straight across)
- Tight or narrow footwear thatcrowds the toes
- Trauma to the toe, such asstubbing it or dropping something on it
- Genetics — some people aresimply more prone to nail curvature that leads to ingrown nails
- Underlying foot conditions, including diabetes and poor circulation, which affect nearly 40 million Americans and significantly raise the risk of complications from a seemingly minor nail issue
What Can I Do at Home?
For a mild, uninfected ingrown toenail, try warm water soaks two to three times daily. Gently lifting the nail edge with a clean cotton swab, and wearing wide, comfortable shoes can often allow the nail to grow properly on its own. Keeping the area clean and dry is essential throughout this process.
When to Seek Help
Home care is appropriate only when there are no signs of infection. You should schedule an appointment with our office if you notice:
- Increasing redness, swelling,or warmth
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage
- Pain that worsens rather thanimproves after several days of home care
- A history of diabetes,peripheral artery disease, or any condition affecting circulation or immunefunction
For patients who fall into these higher-risk categories, we recommend seeking professional evaluation at the very first sign of an ingrown toenail, rather than waiting to see if home care helps.
How Is It Treated in Our Office?
Depending on severity, treatment can range from a simple in-office procedure to partially or fully remove the offending portion of the nail, to more involved treatment of the nail root for patients with recurring ingrown nails. Our goal is always caring for every step you take, with personalized, compassionate treatment tailored to your history and needs.
With multiple generations of the Ashton family and over 30 years caring for this community, we've treated thousands of ingrown toenails — from first-time cases to long-standing recurring ones. Schedule an appointment today and let our experienced team put an end to the pain for good.
